Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi of Tanzania Nominated as Next Director of WHO African Region

Geneva: Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi was today nominated as the next Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held in Geneva ahead of the World Health Assembly. According to African Press Organization, the Special Session by Member States of the WHO African Region to elect the next Regional Director was organized following the sudden and untimely death of Regional Director-elect, Dr. Faustine Ndugulile, in November 2024. Other candidates considered for the position included Dr. Nda Konan Michel Yao from Cote d'Ivoire, Dr. Mohamed Lamine Dramé from Guinea, and Professor Moustafa Mijiyawa from Togo. Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, congratulated Professor Janabi on his nomination as Regional Director for Africa and acknowledged the efforts of the other candidates. Dr. Tedros emphasized the importance of Professor Janabi's role and expressed his gratitude for his experience and expertise, st ating, "Professor Janabi will take the reins at an unprecedented time for the African Region, and WHO as a whole. We are grateful for his experience and expertise as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, sharper and more effective in the future." Dr. Tedros also extended his gratitude to Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Acting WHO Regional Director for Africa, for his leadership during the transition period following the end of former Regional Director Dr. Matshidiso Moeti's term. Dr. Ihekweazu congratulated Professor Janabi and expressed his confidence in Janabi's ability to address the complex health challenges facing the African region, offering his support and that of WHO Africa as Janabi assumes his new role.